A report and a porposal are very similar in organization. Their differences, however subtle, are worth noting: A report: 1. Written to someone with authority (e.g. manager, boss, director, public official, etc.) or peer (e.g. colleauge, associate, classmate, etc.) 2. Usually formal in register 3. Writer uses language related with expressing opinion, listing reasons, making recommendations 4. Written to people who can take action or affect outcome 5. May or may not have headings The general purpose of a report is to identify a specific problem, explain it and recommend action that will lead to a solution. A proposal: 1. Written to someone who needs to make a decision usually which involves spending or investing money (e.g. a client or customer, a committee, someone responsible for finances within company or organization, etc.) 2. Usually formal in register, but could also be semi-formal when addressed to a committee of peers 3. Writer uses language in such a way that he is persuasive, besides listing reasons and making suggestions 4. Written to someone whose decision will directly benefit the writer in some way (e.g. writer is a salesperson)or a group writer belongs to (e.g. a local amateur athletic team that needs support) 5. May not may not have headings The general purpose of a proposal is the identify a particular need, explain it and recommend how this need can best be met.
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The difference between a research proposal and a project proposal is that a research proposal may lead to a project proposal eventually. A research proposal involves a plan for learning about something, a project proposal involves money for doing something.